florida keys travel guide

florida keys TRAVEL GUIDE

Florida Keys Travel Guide - When you are interested in having your next vacation surrounded around 1,700 different islands, you may consider a visit to the Florida Keys, which is an archipelago filled with fun and sun. Located in the far southeast part of the United States, the Keys can be found about the Florida peninsula, close to Miami, the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

The areas of the Florida Keys are divided into different categories, including the upper, middle and lower keys. The upper keys include the keys in Biscayne National Park, which can only be reached by boat. The Sands Key, Boca Chita Key and the Soldier Key is associated with the upper portion of the Keys. Ancient coral reefs can be found at the Adams Key, Rubicon Key, as well as the Old Rhodes Key. Other keys grouped in the upper area include: Key Largo, Plantation Key, as well as Windley Key.

The middle keys consist of destinations, such as Fiesta Key, Conch Key, Deer Key, Key Vaca, Boot Key, as well as Long Key, which had been known as Rattlesnake Key at one point. When you venture to the lower keys, you will encounter the Big Pine Key, Torch Key, Key Haven, as well as the popular Key West.

As a tourist, you should know that navigating throughout the Keys may seem difficult at first, but is not as bad as you think once you learn the address system, which utilizes mile marker numbers. These markers will also be encountered alongside the Overseas Highway (US1), which are identified by rectangular, green signs. You may also find some sign that use the abbreviation BS (bayside), as well as OS (oceanside).

While touring the Keys, you will find that there is much more than the gorgeous weather to enjoy during your stay. You may enjoy a nice boating expedition, where tons of companies are willing to rent you a boat or take you where you want to go. At Captain Pip’s, located at U.S. 1 at MM 47.5 in Marathon, you can rent an 18 to 24-foot boat for $130 to $250 per day. Robbie’s Rent-a-Boat charges a minimum of $70 for a half-day of boating and $90 for a full-day. They can be found in Islamorada at U.S. 1 at MM 77.5.

For those of you who enjoy fishing, head to Bud n' Mary's Fishing Marina, located on U.S. 1 at MM 79.8 in Islamorada and you will encounter one of the biggest marinas located between Miami and Key West. Deep-sea and coral fishing is an attraction at this site. Other attractions to enjoy if fishing and boating is not your thing, includes a trip to the Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, the Museums and Nature Center of Crane Point Hammock, the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key or the fascinating Bahia Honda State Park, which can be found on the Bahia Honda Key.